A new process for the submission of applications for building permits and business licenses will be implemented in preparation for the “new normal” amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Quezon City government announced.

In a statement, the city government said that starting Monday, June 1, applicants who wish to secure or renew their business permits are advised to download and fill out the Unified Business Permit Application form.

The accomplished form should be submitted to the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Division through email at BPLD@quezoncity.gov.ph for evaluation.

“After making a submission online, applicants will be sent an acknowledgment and their status of application,” the city government said.

Likewise, applicants are advised to use bank payment via Landbank to avoid queuing in QC Hall. Copy of deposit slip for business tax payments is to be sent via email to CTO@quezoncity.gov.ph.

Margarita Santos, head of BPLD, said their office has set up an e-Response team dedicated to monitor and respond to incoming applications.

She added that the issuance of permits and licenses may take one to three days from submission of application.

Once the permit has been issued, the applicant may choose to get said permit either via pick-up or delivery via courier service of choice, at cost to the receiver.

“We will be strict with our policy that no walk-in applicants will be accepted. For those who prefer to personally submit their application, they will still have to schedule an appointment with us and wait for the appointment confirmation email,” Santos said.

The Quezon City government will strictly enforce its order mandating residents to wear face masks in public places to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Mayor Joy Belmonte said as Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1.

Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 25, Series of 2020 in April, requiring residents to wear any form of covering for the nose and mouth, including medical masks, industrial masks, earloop masks or even do-it-yourself masks, in all public places.

Citing a study by the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the mayor emphasized the importance of wearing a face mask in public places to prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease.

Belmonte has tasked the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), all barangay officials, the Department of Public Order and Safety, Task Force Disiplina, the Market Development and Administration Department, and other concerned offices of the local government to enforce the order.

Unlike before where authorities were lenient on violators by giving them face masks, residents without one while in a public place will now be automatically penalized, she warned.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night announced that he has approved the Inter-Agency Task Force’s recommendation to put Metro Manila under GCQ starting on Monday.

He also said that Davao City will remain under GCQ while Regions 2, 3, 4A, and the province of Pangasinan and Albay will also be placed under GCQ until the general situation has been reviewed.

Iloilo City and Baguio City will also be under GCQ while Cebu City will shift to modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The rest of the country will transition to modified ECQ, Duterte added.

Under the less stringent GCQ, more businesses will be allowed to reopen and a percentage of workers will return to work provided that health protocols like social distancing and wearing of face mask are observed.

Public transportation will also be allowed to operate at a limited capacity provided that social distancing is observed.

Mass gatherings and opening of leisure establishments will remain prohibited under GCQ.

Meanwhile, gatherings that are intended for the provision of critical government services and authorized humanitarian activities will be allowed, provided that minimum health standards are observed.

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